Where To Watch The Partial Solar Eclipse In London

The end of this week sees the most impressive solar eclipse in London since 1999. Most, but not all, of the sun's disc will be hidden by the moon, bathing the city in a kind of weird overcast light. Here are some tips on how to safely observe this rare event.

When?

Friday 20 March 2015. In London, the partial eclipse will begin at 8.25 am, reach its maximum obscuration at 9.31 am, and conclude at 10.41 am.

What's happening?

The moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun such that its bulk, as seen from London, will partly conceal the star. If the skies are clear of cloud, you should see the sun reduced by 84%. It will shine on as a thin crescent beneath the moon — like a fulgent toenail clipping or the smile of a Cheshire cat. We've carefully modelled the effect below, using a sun we found in a Mill Hill subway:

Where can I view it?

Anywhere in London. The effect is more pronounced the further north you go, but as this is a London website, we don't acknowledge the 93% coverage you'll get in Edinburgh, or the 97% in the Shetlands. Barnet will do you fine.

Any special events taking place?

Why yes. The Royal Observatory Greenwich will open at 8am for anyone who wants to safely watch the eclipse in the company of professional astronomers. To wit, the Flamsteed Astronomy Society will have plenty of solar telescopes set out next to the General Wolfe statue, with all the right filters for you to study the sun, and all for free.

Finally, Northolt Branch Astro will be on top of Horsenden Hill near Wembley, again with plenty of specialist equipment.

What if I miss it?

That's your lot until 2026, when the next comparable partial eclipse will be visible from London, or 2090 if you want to see a full eclipse. Otherwise, full eclipses happen somewhere on Earth every 18 months or so, as long as you're prepared to travel.

Is it a harbinger of doom?

Almost certainly.

Aren't you going to do that patronising thing where you warn us not to look directly at the Sun, like we're still at primary school or something?

Yes, we are. Don't look directly at the Sun. You might easily damage your eyes. Plus, the eclipse will begin just as kids are going to school, so it's particularly important for parents to make sure their inquisitive nippers aren't sneaking a look-see at the spectacle. Here's how to observe the eclipse safely.